Curtainsider trucks are great for distribution work, and you can find Iveco models on the used market with reliable credentials and competitive asking prices. There are many smaller 7.5 tonne Eurocargo models, but this family of curtainsiders from Iveco..
Curtainsider trucks are great for distribution work, and you can find Iveco models on the used market with reliable credentials and competitive asking prices. There are many smaller 7.5 tonne Eurocargo models, but this family of curtainsiders from Iveco also extends to include vehicles with operating weights of up to 26 tonnes and much larger load spaces.
This type of truck is all about providing quick and easy access to the body so that it does not take long for drivers to complete delivery rounds or cover regular collection routes efficiently. As such, a second-hand curtainsider may well have seen a lot of use on city streets in between stints on the motorway. And this kind of operation cycle inevitably leads to wear on the tyres, suspension, brakes and other key components, not to mention the engine.
So before buying a used Iveco example, close examination of the truck is necessary if you want to get a full appreciation of its current state and any potential maintenance costs.
In the 7.5 tonne weight bracket, Iveco offers curtainsider trucks that are around 20 feet in length and feature a range of efficient engines, with newer models benefiting from 160bhp Euro V power plants that can really reduce fuel costs compared with legacy units.
Manual gearboxes are common, but it is also entirely possible to find automatic alternatives if this is preferable for the kind of work you have in mind. Barn or rolling doors are found at the rear in the curtainside configuration, and even the cabs on these compact models will have room for up to three seats as well as other equipment and conveniences. The option to add full air suspension was available from new for these trucks, and this can help to give the driver a smoother ride and keep the goods in the rear on the level, so look out for this feature if it is a concern.
Mid-sized 18 tonne Eurocargo curtainsiders from Iveco boost the body length to 27 feet and are better suited to long-haul journeys, especially since day cab tractor units are available alongside those with sleeper compartments for overnight stints. Units such as this may well feature tail lifts at the rear, which is a bonus for many operators. But as with any mechanical element, it is a good idea to check the tail lift to ensure that it works well and is not on the brink of requiring repairs.
Another thing that used buyers should consider is what kind of prior use a curtainsider truck from Iveco has undergone, since units which have belonged to a single operator may exhibit different levels of wear and tear to those that have been available for contract hire. It is not unreasonable to seek out well-maintained or even fully refurbished models, especially if there are a lot of miles on the clock and you want assurances about the vehicle's ability to provide a reliable platform for delivery and distribution once you have taken ownership of it.
